The Republic of Ecuador has expressed its support for Morocco's sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region. This stance was revealed in a joint communiqué issued after a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Carlos Kury Pesantes in Rabat on November 9, 2026. The communiqué highlights Ecuador's backing of Morocco's autonomy initiative presented in 2007 as a viable solution to the region's dispute.
Ecuador's position on the Sahara issue aligns with its consideration of the autonomy initiative as the only serious, credible, and realistic solution for a just, durable, and mutually acceptable political settlement. The Ecuadorian government believes that a genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most feasible solution to resolve the dispute. This stance has been welcomed by Morocco, which appreciates Ecuador's diplomatic, economic, and consular support.
To demonstrate its commitment to supporting Morocco on the Sahara issue, Ecuador has decided to extend the consular coverage of its embassy nationwide. This move aims to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cooperation between the two countries. The Ecuadorian ambassador to Morocco will also undertake a visit to the Sahara region to further solidify his country's support for Morocco's sovereignty.
The joint communiqué also highlights Ecuador's intention to promote economic and commercial cooperation opportunities in the Moroccan Sahara region. This development is expected to open up new prospects for the African continent, benefiting various economic sectors and fostering investment, trade, and productive development. By supporting Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, Ecuador aims to enhance its bilateral ties and contribute to regional stability.
Morocco has welcomed Ecuador's position on the Sahara issue, appreciating its support at the diplomatic, economic, and consular levels. The two countries have expressed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral relations, with Ecuador reaffirming its backing for Morocco's autonomy initiative. This development is seen as a positive step towards resolving the Sahara dispute and promoting regional cooperation.
The meeting between the two foreign ministers also underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation between Morocco and Ecuador in various fields. The two countries have agreed to explore new avenues for collaboration, including economic, cultural, and educational exchanges. This strengthened partnership is expected to yield mutual benefits for both nations.
Ecuador's support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region reflects its commitment to upholding the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. By backing Morocco's autonomy initiative, Ecuador has demonstrated its willingness to engage in constructive diplomacy and promote peaceful solutions to regional disputes. This development is seen as a positive step towards enhancing regional stability and cooperation.
Key points
- Ecuador supports Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region and considers the autonomy initiative as the only viable solution to the dispute.
